The Sunborn's heirs have ruled the two empires for four generations, but the latest Emperor of Endros and Asanion does not sit easily. Estarion saw his father die in the golden palace of Asanion, victim of mage-wrought poison and the enduring hatred of a conquered race. Now Estarion must return to Asanion - and he vows that even if he must rule that accursed land, he will never love it.

With Estarion travels his beloved, Vanyi, the mage-born priestess who can never be his Empress. She was born a common fisherman's daughter, but is gifted with great power - more, perhaps, than the Emperor himself wields.

Waiting for them in the Golden Palace is deadly intrigue and conspirators who plan to kill the son as they killed the father, and take the throne for their own.